Local Musicians Hold Fundraiser For ATV Accident Victim

Local Musicians Hold Fundraiser For ATV Accident Victim

Rebirth Brass Band and Kermit Ruffins were among the local musicians who took part in a fundraiser Monday night in Treme.

Proceeds will help the two children whose mother was killed in last month’s ATV accident.

WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter has more.

Local musicians came together to do what they do best.

It was all in an effort to raise money for accident victim Daphne Cola and her two surviving children.

“Come out to support her and the bereaved family mostly her, her children and the future of them. They’ll have a lot of love here,” neighbor Gary Brent said.

The fund raiser was held Monday night at Kermit Ruffins Lounge in Treme.

“Girl Power” was one in a long list of bands that volunteered to perform.

“Honestly, it’s an honor. It’s comforting in this time, because I really, I’m losing something but I’m gaining a lot of love,” Daphne’s sister Vegas Cola said.

37-year old Daphne Cola was leaving the Lounge, July 27th when she was struck by an all terrain vehicle.

She was rushed to the hospital with severe head trauma. Doctors would later declare her brain dead.

“You don’t expect that to happen on a beautiful Sunday. Good music, good fun, and then just walking to the car and some guy running from the police or whatever happened. We still don’t know what really happened,” musician and family friend Kermit Ruffins said.

Members of the caring public returned to the scene of the accident to make donations that will help with medical and funeral expenses.

Daphne Cola had no medical or life insurance.

“Oh it’s going to help them tremendously. It’s going to help pay a few bills, which no one has money right now so it’s going to help in that aspect,” family friend Derrick Walker said.

The music helped lift spirits, and in some small way allowed loved ones to focus on something other than the case.

Police are still gathering leads n the search for the hit and run driver.

Walker said, “It’s a tragedy, but I mean maybe if you just stop and say I apologize, you’re sorry for what you done. Accidents happen but it’s been two weeks now and you still aint, come on. Do you have a heart?”

“I’m very confident that they will find the person. Can’t hide for too long and we know exactly who you are,” Cola added.

Police are following strong leads in the case. Still, they’re asking for more help from the public.

If you have information that might help, you’re asked to call Crimestoppers (504) 822-1111.